What does self-sponsor mean?
The U.S. immigration system is primarily based on relationships – either to a family member or to an employer. This means that most people require a sponsor, be it an employer or a family member. “Self-sponsor” means that you are applying for an immigration benefit without a sponsor. An individual pursuing this path will file a petition with USCIS or DOS directly on his/her own behalf. Here are some of the more common self-sponsor options:
Non-immigrant options:
· B-2 – These are for tourists
· E-1 – These are for individuals who trade significantly with the U.S.
· E-2 – These are for investors
Immigrant options (i.e. green card)
· EB-1
· NIW
· EB-5
There is also a new program, International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), that results in neither a nonimmigrant nor an immigrant status, but allows entrepreneurs to live and work in the U.S.
The self-sponsor process is not that different from an employer-sponsored process. In either case we do the following:
Have an initial consultation
Enter into an engagement agreement
Strategize which path to pursue
Send out questionnaires and checklists
Build case
File with USCIS or DOS depending on the case type
Approval – at this point, if the foreign national is outside of the country, they will need to book a consular appointment
How does an immigration lawyer help attain a self-sponsored visa?
U.S. immigration law is extremely complicated and constantly changing. Executive orders are common and programs are amended, added, or removed frequently. Many clients come to us after they have tried to file on their own and have had their petitions rejected, sometimes multiple times.
You can read more about the self-sponsor options here.
Contact an immigration lawyer that specializes in self-sponsorship
We want to help you bring your talents to the U.S. We can help you file your application and prepare you for the steps to come. Please schedule a consultation to discuss your applicant further.